7th Annual Work Out to Wipe Out Domestic Violence Benefit Day

The GFWC IL Morgan Park Junior Woman’s Club announces the Seventh Annual Work Out to Wipe Out Domestic Violence© (WOWO) Benefit Day to be held on Saturday, March 24, 2018. The event objectives are to raise awareness about the serious issue of domestic violence, and to raise funds for the local domestic violence agency, A New Direction Beverly Morgan Park (AND). The agency provides counseling, legal advocacy, education, and support at no charge to families affected by domestic violence.

As the event organizer, the Morgan Park Junior Woman’s Club secures sponsors for the event. The biggest sponsorship is from Marquette Bank, who provided funds for WOWO T-shirts. Morgan Park Junior Karen Meyer, chairman for this year’s event said, “This is the second year in a row that Marquette Bank has sponsored WOWO. We are so grateful for their commitment and their help in raising awareness and funds to end domestic violence in our community.” Meyer added that Bullpen Sports, a baseball and training facility in Crestwood, and Beverly Therapists, donated funds for the event’s printed materials.

One goal for this year’s event is to add new fitness centers and activities, including some suburban sites, as A New Direction serves women from the southwestern suburbs, including Palos, Tinley and Orland Park. Pure Barre Orland Park, 14932 S LaGrange, Orland Park, has participated for the last few years, donating proceeds from three of their Pure Barre classes. The Juniors are excited to announce that Fit4Mom Palos Orland also signed on as a workout site. Located at the Palos Courts,12221 S Ridgeland, Palos heights, Fit4Mom will donate all proceeds from a 9:00 am Stroller Strides class, a functional, total-body conditioning workout designed for moms with kids in tow. This is a 60-minute workout comprised of strength training, cardio and core restoration, all while entertaining little ones with songs, activities, and fun. Mandy Dunne, owner and Stroller Strides instructor, hopes the event will not only raise funds but also raise awareness about domestic violence and the services available to fight it.

In addition to new suburban partners, Mother McAuley High School’s National Honor Society (NHS) and Action Reaction Club are planning WOWO activities around their annual Ice Cream Social, which will be held at the school on March 22, 2018. During lunch and after school, students will help to raise awareness about domestic violence and raise funds for A New Direction. “We love the idea of supporting Work Out to Wipe Out Domestic Violence Benefit Day,” said Cathy O’Grady, World Languages Faculty and McAuley’s NHS moderator. “Using our Mighty Mac strength to give strength to other women makes for a great day. Exercise is a fantastic tool to help both physically and mentally.”

A New Direction Beverly Morgan Park is in its seventh year of providing confidential counseling and legal advocacy services for victims of domestic violence, many of whom live in the neighborhood or surrounding suburbs. “Domestic violence is a reality in every community and we need to work together to create awareness and quality programs to fight it,” said Jessica McCarihan, AND Board President. She continued, “WOWO is our second largest fundraiser of the year, thanks to the efforts of the Morgan Park Juniors. With no state or federal funding, the monies raised are critical to the agency maintaining services.”

Participating in Work Out to Wipe Out Domestic Violence© Benefit Day has never been easier. Simply visit www.anewdirectionbmp.org/wowo to register online for a suggested donation of $25 and select an activity offered by one of the many fitness centers, churches, schools and businesses on the Benefit Day Schedule. Onsite registration on the day of the event is welcome if space at the facility permits.For those who can’t participate on March 24, there are other ways to support this cause. You can make a donation to AND online at www.anewdirectionbmp.org/wowo. You also may make a $15 donation by ordering a new, mint-green event t-shirt online. Supplies are limited so don’t delay! T-shirts will be available for pick up on March 21, 2018 from 10:00 am until 7:00 pm at Belle Up Boutique, 1915 W 103rd Street, Chicago, IL 60643 from 10:00 am until 7:00 pm.

The GFWC IL Morgan Park Junior Woman’s Club (Morgan Park Juniors) is a group of women dedicated to making a difference in their community through volunteer service. Since its inception in 1934, the Club has actively initiated various service projects contributing to the quality of life in Beverly/Morgan Park. In addition to Work Out to Wipe Out Domestic Violence©, the Juniors have created service projects to support the Maple Morgan Park Food Pantry, UCAN Therapeutic School, and local CPS elementary schools. They also provide volunteers for local non-profits such as the Beverly Area Planning Association and the Ridge Historical Society. To learn more about membership and volunteer opportunities with the GFWC IL Morgan Park Junior Woman’s Club, please visit their Facebook page or their website https://morganparkjrs.wordpress.com.